Dieter Knoll explains the “new” HC Bozen

As part of the Media Day in the Eiswelle, which from this season will be called the Sparkasse Arena, Knoll welcomed the entire team squad, the coaching staff, the medical team, club employees, Bolzano's deputy mayor Luis Walcher and numerous media representatives. The HCB boss took the opportunity to take a clear stance on the following topics.

The new additions: “We were offered around 100 players in the center position alone, the market was overcrowded with strikers. But we didn't allow any players to persuade us; we selected them precisely and only then contacted their advisors. The only problem we had was in the goalkeeper position. It took a long time before we were able to sign Samuel Harvey, a second goalie in addition to Andy Bernard. We studied it very carefully in countless videos and finally found it to be good.”

Star purchasing Christian Thomas: "We could the deal Only bagged it 2 or 3 days ago because we really had to do a lot of convincing by then. The man has collected hundreds of thousands of euros in the KHL and Switzerland over the past few years. Someone like that doesn't just come to Bolzano. We had to show him all the advantages that this city, the region, the club and its surroundings offer him. The prospect of being able to take on Italian citizenship one day is also very promising.”

The local: “With Hannes Kasslatter, Leonardo Felicetti and Enrico Miglioranzi, we were able to sign three good players from Italy. We have also entered into collaborations with the Alps clubs Meran, Unterland, Val Gardena and Fassa. I see this as an ideal solution to give the boys game practice. We have to use them specifically, because time on the bench is wasted time for them.”

Glen Hanlon played and trained in the NHL for a long time, now he is supposed to lead the HCB into the playoffs. © Vanna Antonello

Coach Glen Hanlon: “He has worked in the best leagues in the world, his expertise is incredible. Those responsible in Znojmo ( Hanlon's last stop, editor's note. ) have described him as the best coach in their club's history. We also asked his former players and received positive feedback across the board. I see him as a middle ground between his predecessors: he's not the buddy type like Doug Mason was, but at the same time he doesn't have as tough a pace as Greg Ireland. By the way: All player signings were made in coordination with Hanlon. We didn’t hire any foreigners without his approval.”

The new captain: “Alexander Egger had his own style of leading the team. Likewise Anton Bernard. With Daniel Frank a new breath of fresh air will take hold. I think he will particularly promote team building outside the ice rink and make a difference in the players’ shared leisure activities.”

Daniel Frank will lead HC Bozen onto the ice as captain for the first time this season. © Vanna Antonello

Player Pets: “When choosing players, we pay particular attention to the environment, the family, their preferences and interests. Everything has to fit. Let's take an example: years ago we had 7 or 8 players with pets in the squad. This repeatedly led to problems with the apartment landlords. Who wants to have to replace the sofa or other furnishings every year? This year we only have one person on our team with a dog – so that’s fine!”

ICE newcomer Asiago: “It is remarkable and at the same time not easy for everyone involved when an ice hockey region as small as ours provides the three ICE participants. However, work is going well both in Asiago and at the second newcomer in Feldkirch; the clubs have tradition and sporting quality. We need a broad field of participants in the league. This will probably be expanded next season.”

Financial difficulties: “These hurdles were fatal to Dornbirn and Znojmo. We also had difficulties during the Corona period. Fortunately, our most important sponsors are loyal to us. Another aspect is the audience. We generate 40 percent of our income from ticket sales, so we need our fans. I hope the Corona situation allows free access to the stadium throughout the entire season.”

Bolzano's deputy mayor Luis Walcher (left) wants to initiate the renovation work in the Sparkasse Arena. © Vanna Antonello

The Sparkasse Arena: “It should become a real fortress again this season. I am sure that our fans will create a unique atmosphere. At the same time, we are in active communication with the city administration regarding upcoming renovation work. In addition to the construction of a second ice rink, our home arena will also be continually modernized.”

Preparation for the season: “I have seen good approaches in all the games so far. The test match on Wednesday in Val Gardena and the South Tyrol Summer Classic on the weekend in our arena will bring new insights. I'm particularly looking forward to the tournament here in Bolzano with Ambrì, Düsseldorf and Pilsen. It will be a great reunion with our fans.”

The season goal: “Bozen has to be at the forefront of the ICE and at least be involved in the playoffs. We failed to do this last season for the first time since joining the league. I am convinced that we have laid the groundwork to get back into the knockout phase this season.”

ICE Regular Season ICE	SP	TV	P
1. EC Klagenfurt	48	183:121	97
2. EC Salzburg	48	173:130	95
3. HCB South Tyrol	48	155:113	93
4. Linz	48	155:121	88
5. EC Villach	48	173:143	86
6. Graz99ers	48	149:121	86
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Dieter Knoll explains the “new” HC Bozen

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